Reuniting with the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Let me sleep on your couch.” Cody hung the last leash back in place and turned to Ally.

  “No.”

  “You and your mom—two women alone in a house—with someone up to no good creeping around outside.”

  “But nothing’s been toward me.” She stood, hugged herself. “Just the animals.”

  “Yes, but letting the animals out hasn’t gotten our perp anywhere. Both times we wrangled them all back with no one the wiser. Chaotic and problematic, but not conducive to shutting you down. He might go after you the next time. Or your mom.”

  No fair bringing her mom into this. Her insides gave another turn. “Those are mighty big words for a cowboy.”

  “Stop trying to use humor as a cover. I can see it in your eyes—you’re scared.” He stepped close, his breath fanning her temple.

  So close. So tempting. His broad shoulder just waiting for her to snuggle in.

  Chapter Seven

  Ally buried her face in his chest. A shudder moved through her.

  His arms surrounded her. Safety and peril in one muscled package.

  “I’m sleeping on your couch. Until this is over. Period. I’d rather have you safe than me be sorry.”

  Slowly going crazy in his embrace. Having Cody next door was way too close for comfort. Having him on her couch was insane. She wouldn’t sleep a wink.

  “No.” She pulled away from him. “They won’t come back tonight and I’ll have the locks changed tomorrow.”

  “Fine, Miss Independent.” He ran his hand over the back of his neck. “I’ll change the locks for you. First thing.”

  “I can hire someone.”

  “I’ll do it.”

  “Okay.” Whatever it took to keep him off her couch. At a nice safe distance. “You’re way too serious these days. Whatever happened to fun-loving Cody?”

  “I’m too worried for fun.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “But you used to be the one to crack a joke when life got too intense.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I miss your sense of humor.”

  “Really.” He ducked his head. “All this time, I’ve been biting my tongue, trying to act more mature.”

  “Why?”

  “So everyone will take me seriously.”

  “The world is way too grim as it is. We need more Cody—not less. You’re perfect just the way you are.” She bit her lip, wishing she could stuff the words back in. “Or the way you were.”

  “Well, in that case, did you hear about the cowboy adopting the dachshund?”

  “No.” She grinned, anticipating something corny.

  “He wanted to get a long little doggy.”

  She shook her head, started for her house.

  “Hey, I thought you’d like that one, being a vet and all.” He fell in stride beside her, exited the barn and checked the latch. “Where are you going? I’ve got a zillion more packed inside me like tennis balls in a Lab’s mouth.”

  “I said I missed your humor. Not your corny jokes.”

  “I’m rusty. Just give me a minute.”

  “Maybe your brain will fire better after you get some sleep.” She climbed her porch steps.

  “Lock up.” All humor died in his eyes. “I’ve half a mind to stay with you despite your protests.”

  “We’ll be fine. Thanks for your help. Get some rest.” Let me breathe.

  “I’m not leaving until I hear the dead bolt.”

  She dragged her gaze away from his magnetic pull and stepped inside. With a metallic click, the dead bolt slid into place, and his footfalls descended the porch. She leaned back against the door.

  But even with the distance between them, she still couldn’t breathe right.

  * * *

  Coffee. Cody inhaled, savoring the rich scent. Whoever came up with the concept of the automatic timer on coffeemakers deserved to be a millionaire. Even though it was decaf. He opened his eyes to the bright sunshine. As he stretched, the previous night came back to him.

  Ally’s animals loose again. They’d worked a good five hours rounding them up.

  After he’d seen Ally safely to her house, he’d showered, and since Jackie’s Hardware was closed on Sundays, he’d driven to Denton, then returned and changed the locks on Ally’s house, clinic and barn. He’d sorely wanted to go to morning service, but after all that, his eyes wouldn’t stay open and he’d conked out in the recliner.

  Another stretch and he peered at the clock. Almost twelve thirty. He sat up, rubbed his eyes. When was the last time he’d missed church? He’d definitely go tonight.

  Coffee. Even if it was fake. He headed toward the kitchen.

  A scream pierced the quiet.

  Ally?

  Cody bolted outside.

  Over in front of her truck, Ally backed away with both hands over her mouth.

  “What’s wrong?” He ran to her.

  Her hand shook as she pointed at the windshield.

  DIE! A single word scrawled in soap.

  A chill crawled up his spine. He stepped in front of her, scanned the property. “Get inside.”

  The threat had probably been left last night, but just in case.

  “But I have a wedding to go to.”

  “I think you should sit this one out.”

  “I can’t. I’m a bridesmaid.”

  His brain cleared enough to take in her long burgundy dress. Her dark hair in waves, loose and cascading around her shoulders.

  It did something funny to his breathing. “Whose wedding?”

  “My cousin Landry and I can’t let her down.” She checked her watch. “It’s at two at the Ever After Chapel.”

  “Oh, yeah. I was traveling, but she included me in Mitch’s invitation.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I’d feel better about things if you didn’t go alone today.”

  “Well, you’re not dressed appropriately.” Her gaze skimmed over his typical jeans, Western shirt and boots.

  “Go inside and give me five minutes.” He fished his phone from his pocket. “I’ll call Mitch and we’ll take my truck so he can check yours for prints.”

  “Come on, Cody—I don’t need a babysitter.” She stamped her foot. “It’s a wedding. You think some nut’s going to attack me?”

  “Mitch said to keep an eye on you. Go back inside. I’ll be over in a jiff.”

  “This is ridiculous,” she huffed, but turned back toward her house. “You can’t babysit me 24/7.”

  No. But he could make sure she stayed out of trouble today. And appreciate her beauty while he was at it. He made his way inside.

  If only he could talk Ally out of going to the wedding. But he knew Landry and Ally had always been close—graduating only a few years apart. He wouldn’t be able to convince her not to go.

  What kind of person skulked around in darkness letting animals loose and wreaking havoc, leaving threatening notes on windshields? With soap? Maybe teens pulling pranks? He hoped so. But his twisting gut said Ally was in danger. And he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  * * *

  “Do you really think it’s a good idea to go to the wedding?” Mom wrung her hands.

  “I can’t let Landry down.” Ally willed her shaking to stop. “I’ll be fine. Cody’s going with me.”

  “Oh, good.” The lines between Mom’s eyebrows relaxed.

  “Why don’t you come, too? I know you said you wanted to leave a little later, but obviously, I’m not going as early as I planned. Mitch should be here any minute, but until he arrives, I’m not sure I like the idea of you being here alone.”

  “Lance is taking me to the wedding. But I’m concerned about no one being home with everything going on.”

  “Oh.” Torn. Lanc
e escorting her mom would ease Ally’s worries. And worsen them. “I’ll ask Cody to get one of his hands to come over and keep an eye on things.”

  A knock sounded and Ally jumped.

  “It’s me, Cody.”

  Breathe in, breathe out. Calm down. She unlocked the extra dead bolt he’d installed that morning, opened the door.

  Handsome in a gray suit with a burgundy shirt and paisley undone tie to match. He pointed at it. “I tried three times. Can you help?”

  “Sure.” She adjusted the ends to the right length, looped it over. “We’re worried about no one being here this afternoon. Do you think one of your hands could keep an eye on things?”

  “I already arranged it.” His breath fanned her hair.

  “Thanks.” A tremble inched over her. She chanced a glance at him. His gaze was riveted on hers. Too close. She tugged the tie into place, tightened the knot.

  Cody’s hands covered hers. “You trying to choke me?”

  “Sorry.”

  “You two look like a couple.” Mom clapped her hands.

  Heat swept up Ally’s neck.

  “I thought we should look like we’d planned to attend together all along so if our perp happens to be watching, it doesn’t look like he’s got Ally running scared.”

  “Good thinking.” Ally checked her watch. “We need to go.”

  “Mitch was pulling in just as I knocked.”

  “And Lance will be here any minute.” Mom peered out the window. “You two go. Forget all this nonsense. And I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Cody held the door open for her and she stepped out.

  Mitch and another officer combed over her truck.

  “What happened to off-the-record favor for a friend?” she whispered.

  “There’s been a threat now, Ally. It has to become official. But don’t worry—they’ll keep it quiet.” Cody’s hand pressed against the small of her back.

  Too familiar. Too comforting. She stiffened.

  “You’re a bundle of nerves.”

  “I can’t help it. I’ve got a few things on my mind.”

  He escorted her to the driver’s side of his truck. “You’ll have to drive. My doc is still being overly cautious with my knee and hasn’t released me to drive.”

  It was no easy task to climb into the truck wearing the dress, but she managed. Cody shut her door, rounded to the passenger’s side and eased in.

  “Thanks.” She could feel his stare as she started the engine and pulled onto the highway. Kept her eyes on the yellow line.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so dressed up.”

  “Good?” Her skin heated. “Or bad?”

  “You look great.”

  “Really?” She smoothed a shaky hand over her skirt. “It’s just so different than what I’m used to wearing. I had to practice how to walk for days in these shoes.” The strappy high heels matched her dress perfectly, but they definitely weren’t built for comfort.

  “Who’s Landry marrying?”

  “Kyle Billings. He’s not from around here.”

  “Ever wonder if you made the right decision to stay single?”

  Only since he came back to town. “No. You?”

  “I’m not sure anymore.”

  Her breath hitched.

  “I mean, it might be nice to have somebody to share things with. Triumphs, trials, health issues.”

  “I share all that with my mom.” And it had been enough. Until Cody came back.

  “Yeah, but if your mom gets serious with Lance? What then?”

  “I’ll still share my triumphs and trials with her.” And she was hoping her mom and Lance wouldn’t get more serious. It might make work uncomfortable if they ended things, but Ally’s life would get back to normal. Wasn’t that completely selfish. “I’m not thirty yet. Surely I’ve got lots of time before any health issues kick in.”

  “You never know. But then, burdening somebody else with your health issues doesn’t seem right.”

  “It’s marriage.” Ally shrugged, trying to feel as indifferent as she sounded. “I guess if two people love each other enough to commit their lives to one another, they’re willing to face anything and everything together.”

  “Ever wonder if we’re missing out on that?”

  “Tell you what—stick around in Aubrey and when we get old and decrepit, I’ll drive you to doctor’s appointments and you can haul me to the hospital when I need to go.”

  “I may just hold you to that.” His hand covered her free one, twining their fingers. And it felt way too good. Way too warm. Way too dizzying.

  But she knew he wouldn’t hold her to her pledge. Because he’d never stick around that long.

  * * *

  Still breathing odd, Cody escorted Ally into the Ever After Chapel.

  “Ally. Bridesmaids in here.” Landry’s mom pulled her away from him. “Cody, nice to see you.”

  “You, too, Mrs. Malone.”

  “See you after the ceremony.” Ally waved her fingers at him.

  The two women disappeared into a side room. Alone, Cody concentrated on normal breathing. Someone poked him in the ribs and he flinched.

  “Did I just see you walk in with Ally?” Raquel, his friend and neighbor from several acres away, was downright giddy.

  “Yeah? So?” He looked to her husband for clarification, but Slade only smirked.

  “What?”

  “You really don’t remember, do you?” Raquel’s smug smile confused him further.

  “Remember what?”

  “When you were in the hospital after your bull wreck and I came to visit you, we were talking about that time Mitch tried to fix us up but we were destined to only be friends.”

  “So?”

  “So, you said you wished we could pick who we fall for and then you said you were in love with Ally.”

  Cody’s eyes widened. His heart went into overdrive. “I did not.”

  “Yes, you did.” She rolled her eyes. “That’s why I came up with the whole pet visitation program to the rehab center—to get her there to see you.” She shrugged. “I mean, I wanted to help patients and help Ally’s strays, too, but the idea came to me because of you.”

  Slade chuckled. “Looks like your devious plan worked. I’m glad Mitch’s fix-up didn’t and I won the prize.” He pulled Raquel against his side.

  “Ally and I are friends. That’s all.” Cody lowered his voice. “She had another break-in at the clinic. I’m worried someone’s out to get her, so I didn’t think she should come to this wedding alone.”

  “Well, I hate to hear about her problems at the clinic. But you want to protect her because you love her.” Raquel jabbed a finger at him. “You can deny it all you want, but I heard what I heard.”

  He couldn’t have said he loved Ally all those months ago. He hadn’t even known it then. There had to be an explanation. Raquel must have misunderstood him. Or maybe the medication had affected him.

  “Was I on pain meds when I supposedly made this confession?”

  “Well...yeah.” Raquel raised one shoulder. “But I used to be an emergency room nurse. Sometimes medication brings out the truth.”

  “Just do me a favor—keep my drug-induced declaration to yourself, will ya?”

  “Of course.” Raquel covered her mouth with her hand and winked. “You should be the one to tell her.”

  “Come on—leave the man in peace.” Slade tugged her toward the door to the chapel.

  “You coming?” Raquel called over her shoulder.

  “I’ll wait on Mitch. He’s bachin’ it, too, since Caitlyn’s in the wedding party. I’ll be there in a bit.”

  The open door gave him a glimpse of more lace and filmy fabric than he’d
ever seen flanking the old-fashioned pews.

  Had he really said he loved Ally back in the hospital? Had his heart known what his head refused to admit?

  Why did he have such horrible timing? Why couldn’t he have realized his feelings back when he’d kissed her? Why couldn’t he have stuck around to figure it out instead of running scared to the rodeo?

  They could have had a chance. Back when he was healthy. Back when his future was endless. He’d have quit the rodeo for her. Never gotten injured. Never been ruled by a time bomb in his head.

  So many regrets. But Ally topped the list.

  He let out a harsh breath as Mitch stepped inside.

  “Hey, little brother.”

  “Did you get any prints off Ally’s truck?”

  “A few partials. We’ll have to do a comparison with the ones from the other night.”

  “Any leads?”

  Several guests entered the foyer and Mitch waited until they were out of earshot. “The prints from the barn and clinic doors didn’t match anything in our database, so our perp has no prior record.”

  “What now?”

  “Patience. You just concentrate on keeping an eye on Ally. But I did learn something you might be interested in.”

  “What?”

  “Garrett Steele is opening a bull-riding school in Aubrey. Thought you might be interested in applying as an instructor.”

  Adrenaline rushed through Cody. For the first time since his injuries, he was excited over something other than Ally.

  * * *

  The leather interior of Cody’s truck still had that new-car smell. He’d always treated his vehicles like his babies. Probably had it detailed once a week.

  “I can’t believe this.” Ally sniffled as she drove.

  “You okay?”

  “I just feel so bad for Landry. How could her fiancé leave her at the altar? I mean, if you want to call the wedding off, do it before everybody shows up.”

  “I’d like to put a burr under his saddle.” Cody handed her a tissue.

  She dabbed her nose. “I thought stuff like this only happened in movies.”

  “It’s good she found out he wasn’t the type to stick around before she married him.” Cody adjusted his seat belt looser on his injured shoulder. “Where’d she meet the good-for-nothing?”